Frequently Asked Questions

PRODUCT FEATURES (5)

What are Transitions adaptive lenses?

Transitions lenses are the #1 eyecare professional-recommended photochromic lenses worldwide. Transitions® lenses are equipped with patented, photochromic dyes that enable the lenses to rapidly darken, when they are exposed to ultraviolet light. The greater the intensity of UV rays, the darker the lenses become. When UV light is no longer present (indoors or at night) the lenses fade back to their original state.

To meet the diverse needs of our consumers, we have different lens options, which include our family of everyday lenses: Transitions Signature lenses, Transitions® XTRActive™ lenses and Transitions® Performance Sunwear which are adaptive sunglasses that go from a tint to a darker tint, depending on how much sunlight is present.

Are Transitions adaptive lenses as clear as an ordinary clear lens indoors?

How long do Transitions adaptive lenses last?

Transitions lenses are designed to last the lifetime of a prescription.

What lens types are Transitions adaptive lenses available in?

Transitions Optical works with multiple lab and lens manufacturing partners to offer the widest availability of photochromic lenses on the market today. Today’s advanced Transitions lenses are available across all major lens materials (including polycarbonate and ultra-thin materials) and designs (single vision, bi-focals and progressives). Ask your optician for more information.

How much do Transitions adaptive lenses cost?

The price of Transitions adaptive lenses will vary because there are many factors that affect the price of the spectacle lenses you purchase. The price is set by the optician where you make your purchase. The final price takes into consideration your prescription, the lens material, lens type (single-vision, bifocal, or progressive),and any coatings you opt to add, as well as any special promotions or discounts that are offered. Also, many insurance providers cover for Transitions lenses.

ADAPTIVE LENSES vs REGULAR LENSES/SUNGLASSES (6)

Because Transitions lenses offer more than just vision correction. They automatically adapt to changing light, providing your eyes with exactly the amount of light they need for any situation, so you see better. They also help protect your eyes from UV rays, and reduce squinting and eye fatigue.

How do Transitions adaptive lenses differ from prescription sunglasses?

Sunglasses have a set tint - no matter what situation you’re in they’re always the same shade. Unlike sunglasses, Transitions lenses start as clear lenses and then automatically darken accordingly to the level of UV light present. They continuously and smoothly adapt their level of tint so that you see well in all light conditions.

Do I still need prescription sunglasses?

Extreme sun conditions, such as when skiing, sailing or at the beach, require specific frames and special lenses that protect your eyes and provide contrast improvement adapted to these conditions. The Transitions line of performance sunwear products are specially designed to enhance your vision and provide increased darkness in many different outdoor activities from performance sports like golf, running, biking and hunting to everyday activities like driving.

Do Transitions adaptive lenses work in all frames?

Yes. Transitions lenses are compatible with most anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings. When combined Transitions lenses are even better in reducing distracting, discomforting and disabling glare, both indoors and out. Check with your optician to see which lens options are right for you.

Are non-prescription Transitions adaptive lenses available?

Yes, Transitions Signature lenses and Transitions XTRActive lenses can be made without a prescription (these are called “plano” lenses) to fit in nearly any eyeglass frame. Ask your optician for more details. Non-prescription Transitions lenses are available in some of the products in the Transitions performance sunwear line.

PRODUCT PERFORMANCE (4)

How dark do Transitions adaptive lenses get?

Transitions everyday lenses get as dark as ordinary sunglasses (category 3). If you prefer the darkest lenses available we recommend Transitions XTRActive, our darkest everyday lenses ever. Photochromic lenses react to their environment so the level of darkness is influenced by temperature, UV exposure and lens materials.

Do Transitions adaptive lenses work inside the car?

The glass in car windscreens blocks more than 99% of UV light, so most photochromic lenses do not darken noticeably in the car. We offer a solution: Transitions® XTRActive™ lenses contain a specially designed photochromic formula that responds to both UV light and short wavelength visible light, so they are able to moderately tint in the car. Transitions® Drivewear® adaptive lenses enhance the driving experience by combining two of the most advanced technologies in the eyeglass industry: NuPolar® Polarization eliminates glare off the road and car hood, and Transitions photochromic technology adjusts the colour and tint of the lenses as light conditions change. The lenses evolve from green for low light driving conditions to copper brown in bright, sunny driving situations.

Do Transitions adaptive lenses activate indoors?

Transitions adaptive lenses darken when exposed to UV light. As UV from sunlight is typically not present indoors, the lenses will be clear. The exception is Transitions XTRActive lenses, which react to both UV and visible light. This allows them to get extra dark outside and also when you’re sitting in bright sunlight behind a window.

What influences the performance of Transitions adaptive lenses?

Extreme situations can sometimes influence the performance of Transitions lenses. For instance, temperature has effect on the reaction time of photochromic technology. To learn more about it visit our technology page. Transitions Optical’ s scientists continuously strive to improve our technology and create formulations that are less influenced by the temperature conditions.

PHOTOCHROMIC TECHNOLOGY (2)

How has the technology changed over the years?

Transitions Optical’s photochromic lens technology is continuously improving. Transitions adaptive lenses are not the same as they were ten, five or even three years ago. Transitions adaptive lenses are darker than ever before, fade back to clear quicker than our previous lens generations and adapt quicker in warm climates.

We now offer more products for more needs. In addition to Transitions Signature lenses we offer Transitions XTRActive lenses, which activate inside a car, a technological breakthrough.

We also introduced a line of Transitions® performance sunwear which are adaptive lenses that go from a tint to a darker tint depending on how much sunlight is present.

How do Transitions adaptive lenses return to clear?

Transitions lenses begin to fade back to clear as soon as UV rays are no longer present.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS (2)

Do I have to worry about the photochromic technology scratching or peeling off my Transitions adaptive lenses?

You do not need to worry. The process behind our photochromic technology ensures that the photochromic dyes are part of the lens and therefore cannot be scratched off or peeled off and is designed to last for the life of your prescription. If you experience a problem with your lenses, we suggest you contact your optician.

How do I care for my Transitions lenses?

Transitions lenses can be cleaned like most lenses – with a lens cleaner, mild soap or a microfiber lens cleaning cloth.

EYE WELLNESS (2)

Why is it important to protect my eyes from UV light?

Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays: UVA rays and UVB rays. Excessive UV exposure is dangerous for eyes as well as your skin. It can lead to a number of seriou diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular – making ongoing protection from UVA and UVB rays a must.